Rugby and ALS: Expert denies direct link after Lewis Moody diagnosis

Rugby and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An In-Depth Analysis

An expert in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), an incurable disease that affects the muscles, has stated that there is no direct causal relationship between playing rugby and contracting this disease. The rugby world is in shock following the announcement that Lewis Moody, former captain of the English national team, has been diagnosed with ALS. This news has revived concerns about the disease, which also caused the deaths of other prominent players such as Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, and Joost van der Westhuizen. Ed Slater, former Leicester and Gloucester player, also received the same diagnosis in 2022.

Lewis Moody was capped 71 times for England during his illustrious career.

There is no concrete and definitive link between rugby and ALS.

Dr. Nick Cole, head of research at the MND Association

Dr. Nick Cole, head of research at the MND Association, explained that research suggests a combination of factors is responsible for this progressive disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. Cole emphasized that, although studies have been conducted on the possible risk associated with playing professional sports, these studies were limited and showed a small increase in a reduced number of people. The expert suggests that the perception of risk may be influenced by the visibility of public figures who share their experiences, but that ALS affects six people every day. Dr. Cole clarified that ALS is not directly related to rugby, but could be influenced by a genetic predisposition in people with a physical constitution prone to activity and sports practice. The disease is caused by a combination of environmental factors, lifestyle, and genetics.

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Sport could be one of the contributing factors, but there are many other areas within the biology of ALS that are being investigated to find effective treatments.

Recently, significant advances have been made in treatment, with the development of an effective therapy for a genetic form of ALS, although it is not yet available in the public health system. Funding from the MND Association has been fundamental to many of these discoveries, and more drugs are expected to be developed in the future. However, neurodegenerative diseases are complex, and a cure could be found “tomorrow or within several years”.

Dr. Cole stated that ALS is not untreatable, but rather underfunded, and that more funds need to be raised to investigate and get closer to effective therapies. The diagnosis is devastating and is extremely difficult for individuals and their families, as it can affect anyone.

Geordan Murphy and Lewis Moody won seven Premiership titles together.Friends and former Leicester teammates of Moody, Geordan Murphy and Leon Lloyd, have set up a GoFundMe page for the British and Irish Lions player, who captained England 12 times. Dr. Cole pointed out that the disease can be very rapid in some people, with a third of patients dying within two years of diagnosis. Each case requires adaptations to the home, which can be a slow process through statutory services, so that by the time the necessary funding is obtained, the person may have advanced to another stage of disability. In addition, the required care can be expensive, added to the impossibility of working.